X-rays revealed yesterday that Winnipeg slotback Milt Stegall actually did suffer cracked ribs when sandwiched between two Tiger-Cat defenders in Hamilton two games ago, confirming suspicions in yesterday's Sun.

That means Stegall will miss his second straight game when the Blue Bombers host B.C. in a CFL contest Thursday, and possibly even longer.

"It's been a long time and it looks like it's going to be another week," Bombers head coach Doug Berry said. "Then of course, we get the break."

Although the Bombers will get a much-welcomed bye week after the game against the Lions, there is no telling whether Stegall will be able to return for the Aug. 25 game against Toronto.

Stegall was leading the CFL with 50 catches for 856 yards before missing the last match.

"Not everybody has to step up and be Milt but everybody does need to step up their game and we will," vowed slotback Andrae Thurman, who led the Bombers with four receptions for 44 yards in the re-match against the Ticats here on Friday.

"I was coming here before I went to Calgary, but Calgary had me on their neg list so I had to go there," said the cousin to Montreal WR Thyron Anderson. "But I guess it was meant for me to come over here, and I like it so far."

The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder, who spent four seasons with the Detroit Lions, suffered an injury during pre-season and fell behind.

"And with the depth they've got at wide receiver, it was kind of hard to get back," said Anderson, who caught 54 passes for 858 yards and four TDs in 34 games with Detroit. "But I'm going to give it a shot here. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I know more guys here than I did in Calgary."

His first impressions were favourable.

"He's a big, tall runner and in terms of individual route-running, I could see some fluidness," Berry said.

HASHMARKS: There are some indications B.C. QB Dave Dickenson (ankle sprain) may be able to start against the Bombers on Thursday after all. If not, Buck Pierce -- who looked better than both Bomber backups on Friday -- will get the call ... DL Ron Warner sat out yesterday's practice with leg cramps while S Shawn Gallant sat with an undisclosed injury. Although LB Ike Charlton was also limping noticeably, he said there was just some tightness he needed to shake off.